In this episode, HeHe sits down with somatics, sex, and intimacy coach Tilly Storm for a conversation that completely reframes what “orgasmic birth” actually means. Spoiler alert: we’re not talking about some performative movie-scene orgasm during labor. We’re talking about surrender, safety, primal energy, deep embodiment, and what can happen when a birthing person feels fully connected to their body instead of trapped in fear and tension.

Tilly breaks down how cultural conditioning, fear-based birth narratives, and male-centered definitions of pleasure disconnect women from both birth and sexuality. She shares her own birth stories, including a fast and powerful unassisted freebirth and a second birth that included hospital care, PROM, breast-pump induction, and a NICU stay that was still deeply empowering because she stayed rooted in advocacy, autonomy, and trust in herself.

Together, HeHe and Tilly dive into birth plans vs. flexibility, the role partners play during labor, how sexuality work can strengthen your voice and self-trust, and why reclaiming pleasure matters in postpartum too. Tilly also shares about Taoist jade egg practices, pelvic vitality, and reconnecting with your body after birth. This episode is expansive, thought-provoking, and such an important reminder that empowered birth is not about perfection—it’s about presence, safety, and sovereignty.

00:00 Conditioning Sets the Stage

01:53 Meet Tilly and Orgasmic Birth

04:23 Redefining Female Orgasm

08:55 Surrender Through Pain and Bliss

16:05 Roots of Trust and Freebirth

25:15 Farm Lessons and Birth Plans

30:19 Dissociation Versus Ecstasy

31:50 Nursery Curtains Sponsor Break

34:57 Taoism and Empowered Presence

36:13 Second Birth Curveball

36:40 ER After Water Break

38:21 Breast Pump Induction

41:52 NICU Advocacy And Care

47:34 Sovereignty Over Sexuality

01:05:02 Jade Egg And Wrap Up

Guest Bio:

If lack of confidence, low libido, or guilt and shame around your sexuality are the cause of your bedroom woes, (the hot, wild sex you never have any more, or the transition into motherhood or menopause that sucked your libido dry), you need Tilly. She’s a somatic sex and intimacy coach for women who lack desire or pleasure in the bedroom and beyond.

With a background in Taoism and Tantra, Tilly brings a modern twist to unlocking pleasure and passion in the bedroom. Using somatic healing, psychotherapy, and proven coaching techniques, she helps ambitious women reignite their desire and experience more pleasure in the bedroom and beyond.

Connect with Tilly: https://www.tillystorm.com/5daytraining

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns from maternity leave and continues the listener-requested deep dives by breaking down what can actually go wrong with an epidural in labor, and more importantly, what you can do about it in real time.

After more than a decade working as a doula, HeHe walks through the three most common epidural issues she sees in practice: when the epidural is too dense (meaning overly heavy numbness and limited mobility), when there’s a “window” (one specific area that is not fully covered and still feels intense contraction pain), and the rare but stressful situation where an epidural seems to stop working altogether.

She explains how each scenario can show up in the body, what communication with anesthesia can sound like, and the practical options available in the moment, including repositioning, using gravity and labor positions strategically, pressing the PCA button when appropriate, requesting medication adjustments or a bolus, and when it may be time for anesthesia to reassess or replace the epidural.

Throughout the episode, HeHe emphasizes informed decision-making, calm advocacy, and flexibility in labor so you can respond to what is actually happening in your body instead of feeling stuck or panicked if things don’t go exactly as expected.

This episode is all about staying grounded, informed, and supported if an epidural needs troubleshooting during birth.

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Listen to Episode 404 Epidurals: Pros, Cons & Alternatives with Marissa Mulder of Sassy Anesthesia: https://youtu.be/m8As_lYXkMM?si=dNxuOvG04I8hFOVM

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with microplastics researcher and science communicator Dana for an eye-opening conversation about what microplastics are, where they’re hiding, and what this means for pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. Dana explains the basics of microplastics, how they enter our water, food, air, and everyday products, and why researchers are paying close attention to the chemicals often linked with plastics, including BPA, PFAS, and other hormone-disrupting compounds.

Together, they break down some of the most common and surprising exposure sources, from takeout containers, tea bags, canned foods, nonstick cookware, and synthetic clothing to baby bottles, wipes, toys, and feeding products. HeHe and Dana also talk about how to reduce exposure in a realistic, non-overwhelming way, because this is not about perfection or panic.

They share practical low-tox swaps that actually move the needle, like avoiding heating food in plastic, focusing on kitchen changes first, being more intentional with clothing and laundry habits, supporting gut health, and learning where small shifts can have the biggest impact. Dana also shares how her Microplastic Free app helps families better understand ingredients and everyday product choices.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lower your toxic load during pregnancy or make more informed choices for your family without spiraling into fear, this episode is packed with practical, grounded guidance.

Guest Bio:

Dana Zhaxylykova is a microplastics researcher and science communicator passionate about environmental, sustainability and microplastics. She shares educational content on Instagram as @dankazh, where she breaks down complex topics like plastic pollution, and microplastic exposure for a wide audience. Dana has published scientific work on microplastics in Kazakhstan and co-authored research on faster microplastic detection methods in Germany. Through her social media platforms, Dana reaches a global audience of over 150,000 followers, translating science into stories that inspire real change. Her work has been featured on BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and ELLE US, and she is also the co-founder of MicroplasticFree, an innovative app helping people identify and reduce microplastics in everyday products.

Check out Dana’s microplastic free app here! 

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Dana on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/dankazh/reels/

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Grab HeHe’s low tox baby registry guide here: 

https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry

In this solo episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down four key terms every pregnant person should understand before pushing begins. Inspired by a listener question, she unpacks what’s actually happening physiologically when your body starts bearing down and why the pushing stage is often misunderstood inside modern birth culture.

HeHe explains the Early Pushing Urge (EPU), what it can feel like, and the two common schools of thought around responding to it. She also breaks down the difference between the Ferguson reflex and the fetal ejection reflex, two terms often confused online but very different in practice. Plus, she shares why reaching 10 centimeters does not automatically mean it is time to start pushing.

You’ll also learn about laboring down, how passive descent can sometimes create a more effective pushing phase, signs transition may be happening without a cervical exam, and what research says about delayed pushing, active pushing time, postpartum outcomes, and baby safety.

If you want to walk into labor understanding your options, trusting your body, and knowing that pushing is more nuanced than “count to ten and hold your breath,” this episode is for you.

00:00 Mothers Day Offer
03:45 Podcast Topic Pushing
05:28 Early Pushing Urge
09:00 Ferguson Reflex Explained
11:49 When To Start Pushing
14:56 Fetal Ejection Reflex
16:24 My Birth FER Surprise
21:58 Advocacy Scripts Promo
25:22 Laboring Down Basics
30:48 Passive Vs Active Pushing
33:41 Laboring Down Research
41:09 Wrap Up And Resources
42:35 Outro And Subscribe

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Hear HeHe’s birth story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noh5eFpCFcs

Check out the Secret Sauce to Pushing here: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/SSP

Data on Laboring Down and The Early Pushing Urge: 

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth

https://www.lamaze.org/Connecting-the-Dots/new-research-states-laboring-down-with-an-epidural-shows-no-benefits

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-birthing-positions/

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)00708-0/fulltext

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009124.pub3/full

For a breakdown of the data, be sure to download The Birth Lounge App. 

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

In this re-air of Episode 248 of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with trauma therapist, nutritionist, and mental health consultant Dr. Jaz Robbins to explore the powerful role mirror neurons can play in labor, birth outcomes, and the overall birth experience. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science behind mirror neurons and explains how we naturally absorb the emotions, energy, and behaviors of the people around us, especially in high-stress moments like labor.

Together, they discuss how intense stress can take the prefrontal cortex offline during labor, increasing fight, flight, or freeze responses, particularly for those with a trauma history. HeHe and Dr. Jaz also unpack why providers, doulas, and partners often become the grounding presence in the room, and how tone of voice, body language, eye contact, breathing, and calm leadership can help create safety and support physiological birth.

They also cover trauma-informed communication, the harm of labeling someone a “difficult patient,” provider burnout, and practical ways partners can prepare before labor so they know how to confidently support when it matters most.

This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just physical. The emotional environment in the room matters too.

Timestamps: 

00:00 Mirror Neurons Teaser

00:48 Free Pitocin Guide

02:07 Why This Episode Matters

04:11 Meet Dr Jazz Robbins

07:38 Defining Mirror Neurons

10:53 Monkey Study Breakthrough

13:55 Birth Room Dynamics

20:43 Nervous System States

26:58 Trauma And Freeze Response

34:17 Who Leads Attunement

35:41 Using Mirror Neurons Well

35:47 Mirror Neurons in Birth Prep

37:01 Partner Training and Prenatal Classes

40:38 Safety and Positive Birth Mindset

40:59 Difficult Patient Reframe

42:41 Provider Burnout and Bias

46:43 Patient Self Advocacy Scripts

49:53 Trauma Informed Provider Response

53:34 Preparing Partners to Ground

55:10 Mirror Neuron Tools in Labor

01:02:13 Key Takeaways and Helpers High

01:04:49 Wrap Up and Where to Connect

01:06:03 Podcast Outro and Call to Action

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jaz Robbins is a therapist, nutritionist, author, professor, and mental health consultant. She is the founder of the nonprofit, Healing, Hope & Love as well as the mental health consulting firm, The Active Experience®. She specializes in working with clients who have histories of trauma and/or complicated health concerns. Additionally, Dr. Robbins is a poet and stage performer who enjoys integrating expressive arts into her work with clients when appropriate.

Work with Dr. Jaz: https://www.drjazrobbins.com/

The Active Experience: https://www.activeexperience.com/

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Dr. Jaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jazrobbins/

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

First off, Have you gotten HeHe’s brand new low-tox registry guide? Be sure to snag it here:  https://www.thebirthlounge.com/registry

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe shares one of her biggest personal postpartum surprises after spending more than a decade supporting new mothers: she deeply regretted following the popular 5-5-5 rule after having her own baby.

The 5-5-5 rule encourages five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed to prioritize rest and recovery in the early postpartum period. HeHe breaks down where this approach comes from, including cultural postpartum traditions around the world that center healing, nourishment, and community support. She also explains why those practices often exist within systems that provide far more hands-on help than many families receive in the United States.

HeHe shares how strict rest impacted her own recovery, including unexpected lower back and hip pain, difficulty feeling good in her body, and why staying too sedentary did not feel supportive for her healing process. She also talks about postpartum bleeding, mobility, and the difference between rest that restores versus rest that restricts.

Most importantly, this episode offers a more realistic and individualized approach to postpartum recovery. HeHe explains why healing should be body-led, flexible, and responsive to your unique needs, not based on rigid rules or one-size-fits-all expectations.

If you’re planning for postpartum or currently in the thick of recovery, this episode will help you think critically about what support, movement, and rest may actually look like for you.

Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 A Big Postpartum Regret

01:03 Birth Lounge App Plug

05:21 Postpartum Expectations

07:49 What Is the 555 Rule

10:23 Where 555 Comes From

18:27 Why I Hated It

20:53 Registry Download Break

24:44 Bleeding and Healing Lessons

29:05 A Better Modified 555

34:12 Flexibility and Accepting Help

37:32 Wrap Up and Takeaways

39:13 Outro and Review Request

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, makers of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets, blankets, and sleep essentials. Because your rest matters, mamas. Cozy Earth makes it easier to get the cozy, breathable sleep your body (and your little one) deserve. Use code HEHE at https://cozyearth.com/ for 20% off your order and treat yourself to the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe returns for her first newly recorded show since maternity leave and sits down with Dr. Brooke Weinstein to unpack what nervous system regulation really means for mothers. Dr. Brooke, a doctor of occupational therapy and neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation expert, explains why being “regulated” doesn’t mean calm all the time. Instead, it means having the awareness and tools to move through stress, recover more efficiently, and reduce the constant peaks and crashes so many parents experience.

They talk through why nervous system regulation has become such a buzzword online, how social media often oversimplifies healing, and why understanding your own sensory profile, triggers, and patterns matters more than quick-fix hacks. HeHe and Dr. Brooke also discuss postpartum overwhelm, identity shifts after baby, communication with partners, shame-free ways to respond to emotional meltdowns, and how both parents can experience dysregulation during the transition to parenthood.

00:00 Awareness Before Change
01:03 Nervous System Basics
05:46 What Regulation Means
11:44 Regulation Is Not Calm
17:14 Peaks, Valleys, and Resets
19:09 No Shame, Just Data
23:45 Reparenting Self Talk
29:47 Autopilot and Patterns
36:15 Quick Wins Postpartum
41:04 Brain-Body Awareness Tools
49:51 Pregnancy and Nervous System
58:31 Regulation vs Newborn Phase
01:01:10 Partner Support and Communication
01:12:02 Avoid Quick Fix Gimmicks
01:15:41 Closing Resources and Wrap Up

Dr. Brooke Weinstein is a leading expert in neuroscience-based sensory and emotional regulation, helping parents and high performers create healthier, more sustainable lives through practical, science-backed strategies. A doctor of occupational therapy and creator of the THRIVE Like a Parent podcast, Brooke is known for combining neuroscience expertise, humor, and honest conversations about burnout, healing, and modern parenthood. With more than one million followers and over half a million podcast downloads, she is trusted by families and Fortune 500 leaders alike.

Connect with Dr. Brooke:

https://drbrookeweinstein.com/

Instagram: @brookeweinst: https://www.instagram.com/brookeweinst/

Tik Tok: brookeweinstein: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeweinstein

 Youtube: dr.brookeweinstein: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40kFZWuWeZ_-e2fFDTgzgw/videos

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets.

Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe breaks down one of the most common questions in labor: when do you actually leave for the hospital?

She shares what she’s seen over 10 years as a doula, from people arriving way too early at 1 cm to babies being born in cars, hallways, and yes… accidental home births. And why the standard 5-1-1 rule doesn’t work for everyone.

HeHe explains how timing your arrival should be based on you — your birth goals (unmedicated vs epidural), how far you are from the hospital, your contraction pattern, and your labor history.

She also gives more realistic guidelines based on distance, like shifting to 4-1-1 or even 3-1-1 if you live closer, and talks about how car rides can actually slow contractions (rude, honestly).

The biggest takeaway? This isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your intuition, your body, and your context matter.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Too Early vs Too Late
05:16 When to Leave for the Hospital
08:29 Why 5-1-1 Doesn’t Work for Everyone
13:40 Listening to Your Body + Past Labors
15:16 Adjusting for Distance + Travel
17:54 Hospital Arrival + Final Tips

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. With Mother’s Day coming up, skip the flowers and ask for something you’ll actually use… their insanely soft bamboo sheets.

Right now, they’re running a limited-time buy one, get one free on sheet sets. Head to cozyearth.com and use code HEHEBOGO to grab yours.

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Kristen to break down how to actually choose a breast pump and prepare for pumping… without the overwhelm.

They talk through when to order your pump (hint: don’t wait until baby is here), how insurance coverage works, and why you may need to advocate for yourself to get what you want.

Kristen explains the difference between primary and secondary pumps, and why wearable pumps aren’t always the best place to start if you’re trying to build and protect your milk supply. They also get into what actually matters when it comes to effectiveness, portability, and real-life use.

One of the biggest takeaways? Flange sizing. Most pumps come with sizes that don’t fit the majority of people, and that can seriously impact output and comfort. They walk through how to measure, test, and find your correct size without wasting money.

They also cover pump parts, when to replace them, how to clean everything safely (without overcomplicating it), and how to use your pump settings in a way that actually works with your body.

If pumping is part of your plan, this episode will help you feel way more prepared and way less confused walking into it.

Timestamps
00:00 Why Flange Size Matters
10:52 Do You Actually Need a Pump
19:22 Ordering Through Insurance
27:10 Primary vs Wearable Pumps
35:47 Flange Sizing + Fit
55:21 Pump Parts + Cleaning
01:09:06 Settings + Features
01:16:18 Insurance + Final Tips

Guest Bio:

Kristen is a Certified Lactation Counselor, CLC, and mother of 5 earthside. She has been pumping for 7+ years for her multiples and 3 singletons. Between her own experiences of both exclusively pumping, feeding at the breast and formal CLC training she is able to share a mix of real experiences, expectations and training based advice.

Kristen Krahl, CLC

bemybreastfriend.com

Instagram: @bemybreastfriend: https://www.instagram.com/bemybreastfriend

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bemybreastfriend?si=oBmm2NxV1c1gztrU 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bemybreastfriend/ 

https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/can-i-get-a-breast-pump-through-insurance#:~:text=Yes%2C%20and%20that's%20why%20we,support%2C%20counseling%2C%20and%20equipment.

https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/blog/understanding-the-affordable-care-act

Understanding the ACA 

Get Kristen’s Be my breast friend’s road map to breastfeeding here: 

https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/breastfeeding-road-map

Snag Kristen’s pump comparison chart here: https://bemybreastfriend.com/products/pump-comparison-chart

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with Brit Patos, founder of Infant Feeding Care, to clear up one of the biggest feeding myths out there: that all bottles are basically the same… they’re not.

They break down why bottle feeding is not one size fits all, and how things like nipple flow rate can make or break both feeding safety and your breastfeeding relationship. Brit explains that what people call “nipple confusion” is often actually flow confusion since bottles deliver milk instantly while breastfeeding requires a little more patience and coordination.

They also talk through how to introduce bottles without derailing breastfeeding, what to do if your baby starts refusing the breast, and why feeding before your baby is crying can make a huge difference.

This conversation gets into the details most people never hear, like how “slow flow” labels aren’t regulated (yes, really), why that matters, and what to look for instead, especially in higher-risk feeding situations.

If you’re navigating bottles, breastfeeding, or both, this episode will help you feel a whole lot more confident in what you’re choosing and why.

00:00 Reflexive Sucking Warning

01:17 Listener Email Advocacy Win

04:08 How to Use the App

06:22 Meet Brit Bottle Basics

10:55 Flow Confusion Explained

12:54 When to Introduce Bottles

16:14 Hunger Cues Before Crying

18:07 If Breastfeeding Is Struggling

20:37 Sponsor Just Ingredients

23:13 Nipple Flow Labels Exposed

29:23 Best Slow Flow Options

32:45 Hospital Disposable Nipple Risks

34:56 Special Feeding Needs Down Syndrome

37:26 Do Nipples Need to Match

39:41 Wrap Up Resources Goodbye

Guest Bio:

Britt Pados is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner & Nurse Researcher AND founder of Infant Feeding Care.  Britt is a neonatal nurse practitioner with a clinical background in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She has a PhD in Nursing focused on feeding in infants and has done research on flow rates from bottle nipples. She owns Infant Feeding Care where she provides breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support to infants in Massachusetts.

Follow along with Britt here: www.infantfeedingcare.com

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Connect with Britt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/infantfeedingcare/

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

Listen to the original episode here: https://podcast.thebirthlounge.com/e/ep-191-bottle-flow-rates-and-choosing-the-right-bottle-with-britt-pados/

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe walks you through the birth prep she and her husband actually did for their home birth… and what actually mattered once they were on the other side of it.

They took The Birth Lounge childbirth education course together to understand labor, get aligned on preferences, and make sure her husband felt confident and steady through a three-day labor. He also went through Dad Days to learn real, practical support skills from other dads.

HeHe also shares how the Secret Sauce to Pushing course played a huge role in her pushing experience, supporting her pelvic floor, minimizing tearing, and setting her up for a smoother recovery, even with hours of pushing and a long crowning phase.

They prepared for the “what ifs” too, taking a newborn resuscitation class and a breech birth course, and she brought in an IBCLC prenatally for breastfeeding support so she wasn’t figuring it out for the first time postpartum.

This episode is a real look at what prep can actually do for your birth and recovery, and how to focus your energy on what truly makes a difference.

00:00 Postpartum Perspective

01:10 Episode Overview

01:49 Birth Lounge Prep

03:52 Water Break Moment

05:26 Dad Daze Course

08:37 Secret Sauce Pushing

13:53 Newborn Resuscitation

17:13 Breech Birth Training

19:23 Lactation Support Plan

23:12 What We Could Skip

25:18 Wrap Up and Resources

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ 

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/courses/